Continuous tape layup molding of CFRTP using near-infrared heating and high frequency induction roller heating

Abstract

This study focused on the heating behavior, thermal distribution and interlaminar shear strength in a laying process of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic tape to predict the optimum processing condition for carbon fiber prepreg tape laying. The material used for the experiment was unidirectional CF/PA6 prepreg tape. The source of heat was used near infrared heating and high frequency induction roller heating. The effects of processing conditions such as the position of infrared heaters, feed speed of prepreg tape and temperature of compaction roller on the laying behavior of prepreg tape and their bonding strength were investigated. From the experimental results, it was found that the near infrared heating was required for removing the moisture contained in prepreg tape.